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Cubs Finalize Roster Decisions Ahead of Tokyo Series Opener Against Dodgers
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MESA, Ariz. — The Chicago Cubs are gearing up for an early start to the 2025 Major League Baseball season,with their opening series against the Los Angeles Dodgers taking place in Tokyo. The Cubs reported for spring training on Super Bowl Sunday and will commence their season before the NCAA tournament’s first tipoff.This international trip presents a unique chance for team bonding, cultural enrichment, and marketing, although it requires accelerated roster decisions. The team is scheduled to depart from Arizona on Tuesday, necessitating that key personnel choices be finalized by Monday.
The Tokyo Series has prompted the Chicago Cubs to expedite their usual spring training timeline. While such disruptions can sometimes frustrate players and raise concerns about potential pitching injuries, the cubs are focusing on the advantages of this international journey. Manager Craig Counsell emphasized the positive impact of the trip, noting that it has instilled a sense of urgency among the players.
“It’s created some urgency for our players,” Counsell said Friday at the Sloan park training complex. “Our pitching department did a fabulous job over the offseason in getting these guys ready and coming into Feb. 9 in a more prepared place. That’s kind of borne out through this last month. I’m really proud of the work that (everyone) did.”
Counsell also highlighted the refreshing change of pace that the tokyo Series provides. “If you’ve been through a lot of springs,different is good. You look forward to something different. We’re getting ready to go do something really fun. That’s how our guys are treating it.”
Projected lineup Against the Dodgers
Here’s a look at the projected starting lineup for the Cubs as they face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Tokyo Series:
- Ian Happ, LF
- Kyle Tucker, RF
- Seiya Suzuki, DH
- Michael Busch, 1B
- Matt Shaw, 3B
- Dansby Swanson, SS
- Pete Crow-armstrong, CF
- Miguel Amaya, C
- Jon Berti, 2B
MLB regulations allow for a traveling squad of 31 players for the Tokyo Series, including three inactive spots and a 26-man roster for the two games at the Tokyo Dome. This arrangement allows the Cubs to manage Nico Hoerner’s recovery from flexor tendon surgery without being short-handed. Hoerner, who underwent surgery last October, is expected to be ready for the “domestic opening Day” on march 27 when the Cubs return to Arizona.
The status of Matt Shaw, the Cubs’ top prospect, remains under consideration. Shaw’s participation in spring training was initially delayed due to an oblique issue. “All things with Matt are still on the table,” Counsell said. The Cubs clearly value Shaw,having rapidly promoted him through their farm system and choosing to keep him out of the Kyle Tucker trade with the Houston Astros. If healthy, Shaw is a strong contender for the starting third baseman role.
matt Shaw’s first RBI of #SpringTraining! pic.twitter.com/7p6jps3O8V
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) March 4, 2025
Bench Options
carson Kelly, who signed a two-year, $11.5 million contract this offseason,is expected to share catching duties with Miguel Amaya. Justin Turner,a veteran hitter with important experience against the Dodgers,will also be a key bench player. The cubs may also carry gage Workman, a Rule 5 pick from the Detroit Tigers association, and Vidal Bruján, with further assessments to be made later.
Reese McGuire, a non-roster player, is highly likely to serve as the team’s third catcher in Japan, providing depth for exhibition games and potential emergencies. The Cubs are also considering adding Nicky lopez, another non-roster player, whose versatility could be valuable over the course of the season.
Pitching Plans: The “Out-Getters”
Counsell’s emphasis on “out-getters” is particularly relevant for the Tokyo series. The Cubs will need to manage innings during exhibition games against the Hanshin Tigers (March 14) and Yomiuri Giants (March 16), while also preparing their pitchers for the two-game series against the Dodgers (March 18-19).The team will avoid using a conventional five-man rotation or overextending their pitchers.
Shota Imanaga is slated to start Game 1, and Justin Steele will start Game 2.
Imanaga recognizes the past importance of facing Yoshinobu Yamamoto in their home country. While Steele was recently scratched from a Cactus League start due to flu-like symptoms, the cubs anticipate that he will be ready for his scheduled start. Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd are expected to pitch in the exhibition games against the Nippon Professional Baseball clubs and may then be temporarily placed on the inactive list.
The projected bullpen includes: Ryan Pressly, Porter Hodge, Ryan Brasier, Colin Rea, Nate Pearson, Tyson Miller, Caleb Thielbar, Julian merryweather, Keegan Thompson, Eli Morgan, and Brad Keller.
Brandon Hughes is a potential candidate to add another left-handed option to the bullpen.
Ben Brown’s versatility and minor-league option may impact his initial roster placement, despite his talent. “Our operating mode is to continue to keep him stretched out because that’s what’s best for the team right now,” Counsell said, while acknowledging that this plan could change. Bullpen needs and injuries to established starters often necessitate adjustments.
“When we get to the domestic Opening Day, we probably got to pick a lane,” Counsell said. “Ben experienced both sides of it last year. He did a great job with that last year, so he’s familiar with it. You try not to do it.The injuries are what cause you to do it. You look up, something happens, you get an injury and this is our next best guy, so you want him to start games.”
Recent Roster Cuts
The Cubs’ spring training roster has been reduced to 42 players following recent cuts. Right-handed reliever ethan Roberts and left-handed reliever Luke Little have been optioned to Triple-A Iowa. The following players have been reassigned to minor-league camp: pitchers phil Bickford, Chris Flexen, Ben Heller, Brooks Kriske, and trevor Richards; infielders Jonathon Long and James Triantos; and outfielders Greg Allen and Christian Franklin. the next round of roster decisions will be increasingly challenging as the team prepares for the Tokyo Series.
The Chicago Cubs are strategically using spring training to evaluate talent and finalize their roster ahead of the highly anticipated Tokyo series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. With a blend of seasoned veterans and promising prospects, the cubs aim to make a strong impression on the international stage and set the tone for a successful 2025 season.
Cubs’ Tokyo Series: A Spring Training Revolution? Expert Insights on Roster Decisions and International Play
Will the Chicago Cubs’ unprecedented Tokyo series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers reshape the landscape of MLB spring training?
Interviewer (Senior Editor, world-today-news.com): Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading sports management professor and expert in international baseball strategies, welcome to world-today-news.com. The Cubs’ decision to open their season in Tokyo is audacious. What are the strategic implications of this bold move?
Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me. The Cubs’ Tokyo series represents an important shift in MLB’s approach to spring training and international expansion. It’s not just about playing games in a new location; it’s about leveraging this unique prospect for multifaceted gains. This strategy concurrently addresses team growth, marketing, and fan engagement on a global scale.
Interviewer: Let’s delve into the roster decisions. The article mentions expedited timelines and the impact on player readiness. How do these pressure-filled decisions influence the team’s long-term success?
Dr. Sharma: The compressed spring training timeline undeniably presents challenges.The risk of pitching injuries increases when players and pitching staffs are pushed to perform at peak level earlier than usual. However, the Cubs can mitigate these risks with strategic workload management, focusing on player health and recovery, and utilizing advanced analytics to monitor player fatigue. The successful execution of this strategy hinges on effective communication between coaches, medical staff, and players themselves.this enhanced communication allows for individualized training regimens and prevents burnout, thus balancing the urgency with the needs of the players in pursuit of long-term health and performance.
Interviewer: The Cubs are employing a 31-man traveling squad with inactive roster spots.How does this unconventional roster construction affect team dynamics and lineup strategies?
Dr. Sharma: Expanding the roster to 31 players for the Tokyo series allows the Cubs to maintain adaptability. The presence of inactive players caters to injury management and provides roster depth. This strategy is particularly smart given the long travel and the potential for unforeseen circumstances. It allows for strategic rest and recovery for key players, maximizing performance across the entire series. This approach also creates a broader pool of talent to draw from game to game, enhancing the chances of adapting to unexpected situations like injuries or ineffectiveness throughout the games. Such flexibility is a key point when considering the potential for fatigue in such a busy series.
Interviewer: The article highlights the importance of “out-getters” in the pitching strategy for the Tokyo Series. Could you elaborate on this key aspect of pitching preparation and effectiveness for this unique setup?
Dr. Sharma: “Out-getters” signify pitchers adept at generating rapid outs, valuable in a condensed schedule. The Cubs understand the need to manage their pitching staff carefully, including minimizing innings during exhibition games, to prevent exhaustion and injuries in the lead-up to main series. Prioritizing efficiency in games is crucial when navigating a compressed timetable, and “out-getters” are central to
Cubs’ Tokyo Series: A Spring Training Revolution? expert Insights on Roster Decisions and International Play
Will the Chicago Cubs’ unprecedented season opener in Tokyo against the Los Angeles Dodgers redefine the future of MLB spring training? The strategic implications extend far beyond a simple change of venue.
Interviewer (Senior Editor, world-today-news.com): Dr. Anya Sharma, a leading sports management professor and expert in international baseball strategies, welcome to world-today-news.com. The Cubs’ decision to open their season in Tokyo is audacious.What are the strategic implications of this bold move?
Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me. The Cubs’ Tokyo series represents a significant shift in MLB’s approach to both spring training planning and international market expansion.It’s not merely about playing games in a new location; it’s about leveraging this unique opportunity for multifaceted gains. This strategy together addresses team advancement, marketing, and fan engagement on a global scale. The potential for increased brand visibility in the Asian market, coupled with the unique team-building aspects of an international trip, could yield significant long-term dividends. Think of it as an investment in both on-field performance and off-field brand recognition.
Interviewer: let’s delve into the roster decisions. The article mentions expedited timelines and the impact on player readiness. How do these pressure-filled decisions influence the team’s long-term success?
Dr.Sharma: The compressed spring training timeline undeniably presents challenges. the risk of pitching injuries increases when players and pitching staffs are pushed to perform at their peak earlier than usual. However, the Cubs can mitigate this risk through strategic workload management, a diligent focus on player health and recovery, and utilizing advanced analytics to monitor player fatigue. the successful execution of this strategy hinges on effective communication and collaboration between coaches, the medical staff, and the players themselves. This enhanced communication ensures individualized training regimens and prevents burnout, striking a crucial balance between urgency and the players’ long-term health and peak performance.
Interviewer: The Cubs are employing a 31-man traveling squad with inactive roster spots. how does this unconventional roster construction affect team dynamics and lineup strategies?
Dr. Sharma: Expanding the roster to 31 players for the Tokyo series provides the Cubs with remarkable adaptability and strategic adaptability.The inclusion of inactive players caters to injury management and provides significant roster depth. this strategy is exceptionally smart, given the extensive travel and the potential for unforeseen circumstances. It allows for strategic rest and recovery for key players, ultimately maximizing performance across the entire series. This approach also creates a broader pool of talent to manage game-to-game lineup decisions, enhancing the ability to adapt to unexpected situations like injuries or suboptimal performance during play. Such versatility is paramount when considering the possibility of fatigue caused by the demanding schedule.
Interviewer: The article highlights the importance of “out-getters” in the pitching strategy for the Tokyo Series. Could you elaborate on this key aspect of pitching preparation and effectiveness for this unique setup?
Dr. Sharma: By prioritizing “out-getters”—pitchers adept at generating swift outs—the Cubs demonstrate an understanding of the need for pitching efficiency in a compressed schedule. The concept of an “out-getter” is critical in this context as managing the pitching staff carefully, including minimizing innings during exhibition games, is crucial to prevent premature exhaustion and injuries before the main series. Prioritizing efficient game management is crucial when navigating this tighter timetable, and “out-getters” are central to this strategy. This approach aims to maximize the effectiveness of every pitch and conserve the arms of the team’s starting pitchers.This not only improves the chances of success during the games in Tokyo but also protects the overall health of the pitching staff for the rest of the season.
Interviewer: What are the broader implications of this experimental approach for Major League Baseball?
Dr. Sharma: The Cubs’ Tokyo series could establish a precedent for MLB teams to more frequently consider international season openers. It provides valuable data on fan engagement, logistical challenges, and perhaps crucially, the long-term health implications for players. Success here could trigger other teams to consider similar ventures,possibly leading to a major shift in how MLB structures its spring training and regular season schedule.A successful example generates widespread interest among other organizations and promotes a dialog within league management about the future of spring training and expanding the global reach of MLB.
Final thoughts:
The Chicago Cubs’ Tokyo series isn’t just a bold move; it’s a strategic experiment with far-reaching implications for the future of Major League Baseball. the team’s focus on player health, strategic roster construction, and emphasis on efficient pitching showcases a proactive approach to maximizing their chances for success both in Tokyo and throughout the 2025 season.What are your thoughts on this pioneering approach to spring training and international expansion? Share your insights in the comments below!